I’ve got nothing against Ron Howard, really. Opie was a cute kid. But, forgive me, so far I can’t stand anything directed by the man. I find his style sappy and emotionally overwrought.
OK. That’s about as critical and mean-spirited as you will hear me get publicly. I even struggled with using the word hate in my title. In truth, I don’t hate anyone but I’m trying to make a point here.
I picked Ron Howard because I know he can take it and I know he’s probably a really wonderful and totally sincere guy who could care less what I think. And he has touched millions of lives with his work over decades of service as an actor, writer, director and, producer.
In fact, I’m certain many of you LOVE Ron Howard. (And if I insulted you with my opening paragraph, I apologize.)
I know many of you love mushrooms, too.
Can’t stand ‘em myself.
What I am trying to stay here is taste is purely subjective.
And that’s all it is. Taste.
Feel free to ignore the people who will try to tell you their taste is the taste. The correct taste. (Ahem – art teachers, professors and critics.)
As you send your work out into the world, some people will LOVE it.
Some will hate it.
Some will say “Meh.”
That doesn’t mean your work is good.
Or bad.
Or even Meh.
It’s just your work. It’s the work you do.
So when everyone is patting you on the back and giving you shows and buying your work it doesn’t necessarily mean you are brilliant.
And if NO one is paying attention and you continually get rejected neither does it mean your are an idiot who should give up and go do something else.
It means nothing.
It’s just ego stuff.
Because you love this thing so much – creating, making, innovating, birthing new projects.
To continually evolve and pull ideas from deep within.
To craft and hone and love them.
Your work is a gift of love to the universe and to yourself. (You are, after all, an integral part of the universe.)
Keep on, friend.
Responses to “Why I Hate Ron Howard”
Jain Fairfax
I have been laid up this summer, too…not with an injury, but with a remodel of my kitchen and bath. Everything is everywhere. I can’t find my nail clippers, let alone my paints. And Everything is covered with fine, invasive dust, so I am reluctant to have a painting in the works. But complaining about what will be a joy very soon is spoiled, I know. What I am delighted about is having two paintings included in the World Federation of Miniaturists in Moscow. It took a lot of jumping through hoops to get in, but the idea of my little paintings traveling to London then on to Russia to what is the Olympics of miniature are made me happy. So my view of the world as the beautiful place it is will be seen by many around the world. Sigh. Makes the mess here seem less upsetting.
I send my best to you, Michele, for a very speedy recovery.
admin
Thanks so much, Jain and CONGRATULATIONS! I am very excited for you that your paintings are going to London & Moscow!
AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to oppose you. NOT. You’re a breath of fresh air. Most art critiques are limpid. Not one, that I have read in the past year has taken on the hard part of honestly reporting on bad artists. They would rather write about a mediocre artist than say this does not work for me. Are they trying to keep their jobs. But at what cost? Misleading the public to swallow bad art as oh look he paints with color.
When I say keep their jobs I mean why write about a bad artists at all. It only encourages them to put out more bad work.
admin
Hi AnnaMaria – Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think there is a place for everyone’s creativity in this world. What one person likes, another will hate. I encourage all artist to do their work and we can enjoy it or ignore it as we please.
Lydia
Thank you so very much for hating Ron Howard. Because, … I love him. I love the sappy emotional stuff. I don’t love mushrooms, but I don’t mind them either. Perhaps, just maybe there is room for my gifts to the world, after all. Thanks for reminding me.
admin
Ha, ha! So glad you love him! Of course I don’t really hate him. : ) But glad you took my point. And I must be in the minority of my opinion of Mr. Howard as he is quite admired by many!
So, so glad this post reminded you that there is ABSOLUTELY room for your gifts in this world. In fact, you are doing others a disservice if you do not pursue them and share them.
Patricia Muss
I really like your comments about taste and variety of tastes and what the “experts” describe as taste. I try to not listen to some of the remarks I hear about other artists – too bright! too bland! too detailed! too loose! too bizarre! too ….! Everyone has an opinion and not everyone can agree on “taste”.
admin
Thanks, Patricia! It is so easy to get caught up in “expert” opinions. I have to remind myself to step back and follow my own taste and not worry what others think.
Eileen
Well said
admin
Thanks, Eileen!
Claire
thank you for the reminder…. i’m sooooo struggling with not being good enough, everyone’s so brilliant and i’m so average…
i need to tell myself – it’s just me and my art, it’s just me and my art… but it’s hard when work has to be submitted for a critique on my art course…. because it IS me and my art IS part of me… and the tutor’s comments DO count!!!
it’s a bummer….
admin
Claire! I am so sorry I didn’t get an email as I usually do that you had submitted this comment and didn’t find this until today. I’m right there with you – I have felt the same way. I love that you have found something to tell yourself to keep focused. Yes, the tutor’s comments do count in terms of your schooling but I believe you have a much bigger purpose with your work than just what is happening now and in school. I believe there is a reason you were attracted to making art in the first place and that you are reading this blog and that you continue to do what you do that goes far beyond the time you will spend in school. Think of it this way. What if negative feedback were there to make you stronger in your own resolve? It’s easy to succeed when others around you tell you how brilliant you are. But imagine the strength and power you will cultivate when you learn to pay more attention to what you are hearing INSIDE than what you are hearing OUTSIDE. And lastly, sometimes we are so sensitive to criticism usually because of receiving so much in early childhood that we feel we can scarcely handle it emotionally. And this can block the helpful criticism as well, and make us ultra sensitive to comments. Sending you a big hug, Claire and keep my posted on how you are doing.
Judy Glore
Michele,
Are your workshops in NC at Jerry’s or else where? I keep telling myself and my artist friends that no ones opiniolns of their art work matter but there own. But I offen find myself not entering shows because it’s too much work just to be rejected. Need to work on that.
Love your articals, thoughts and drawilngs. Thanks
admin
Hi Judy – here’s all the info on the workshop – they are part of Art of the Carolinas and will take place in the Jerry’s classroom space.
http://artofthecarolinas.com/p133/TH1206-Texture-and-Mixed-Media-with-Acrylics-At-Retail-Store/product_info.html
http://www.artofthecarolinas.com/p173/FR1217-Luscious-Color!-Watercolor-Techniques-with-Acrylics/product_info.html?osCsid=n1uibn5j48vav4a18eeolpvb87
Would love to have you join us for either of these!
If you are not getting into shows – have a show of your own, if you haven’t already! At home – in your studio! in a cafe! in an office building. Invite people who know and love and support you. Get some energy moving around exhibiting and you might be surprised what comes your way. Spread the word on facebook! Tell you local newspaper!
Claudia Lowery
Yes, you can self-promote, solo exhibit, and get your art before the eyes of the world with little effort and you should. Facebook is a good start with friends. But beware of the ego boosting love of them that look there because they don’t all know art and sometimes an opinion of a artist/friend you long for may never come, but a plethora from others pours in. It’s all about taste and so subjective. Appreciate what you do get, calmly listen to criticism good and bad, and then just keep headed in your own direction. Never let the opinions of the world stop your work. Remember, there’s always the “Museum of Bad Art” after you’re dead and gone…LOL.
Carol Steinberg
Michele, I have my own problems with Ron Howard. He somehow features in a traumatic event in my childhood based on a movie he was in as a kid. That said, I thought “A Beautiful Mind” was well done–but that may be because the main character reminded me of my ex. If you’re lucky enough not to know anyone like that, maybe it wouldn’t seem so well done…I don’t know, but kind of speaks to your point. I think it’s good to be reminded that taste is impersonal and often says more about the taster than what’s being tasted. And, with all the rejections we as artists inevitably face, it’s good to be reminded that if we are sincere, someone somewhere may eventually appreciate it.
admin
Carol, I love what you said here: “if we are sincere, someone somewhere may eventually appreciate it.” I feel we must help other find our work, too, by getting it out there. It is a gift to others and to ourselves to make this effort.
BTW, I haven’t seen a lot of Ron Howard movies mostly because even the previews turn me off. 🙂 I was just casting about for an example of someone who is admired and appreciated and accoladed to prove that taste is so very personal.
Marge Knyper
Hi Michelle, I wish you well these coming months with your new mini studio. Sometimes a change of scene is delicious for whatever reason! Also, mentioning Ron Howard is certainly a good attention getter, as I am sure almost everyone who goes to the movies knows his name. And your point is a god one. Keep up the good work!
admin
Thanks so much, Marge!
Deborah
Hi Michele!
You caught our eye with the word hate, especially in regard to someone like Ron Howard. I admire him tremendously and am impressed with the fact that he never had to wander off into the world of addictions like many young stars. Must have a lot to do with how he was raised.
Thank you for the reminder that no one elses opinoon or work should influence what I am doing, want to do, or love. I really needed that! I pray you heal quickly and am impressed you still found a way to paint. I was laid up with an unusual virus and infection for 8 weeks and am just getting back to the studeio with a friend who had injured her painting hand and wrist and was out of the loop for 6 weeks……. what a summer for us all! Keep inspired everyone……
admin
Deborah! Thanks so much for your kind words and your reflection on the article. For some reason I didn’t get this until now! Be well.
Alice Larsen
Of all of your written thoughts, I liked this one the best. Yes, I’ve enjoyed the encouraging ones too, the tips & the videos but I think you allowed us to see some something we all struggle with–wondering if people will like our work. Mark making & exposing our creativity through our very own expression & not painting what the market wants or what our friends & family think would be better for the market is certainly an important truth to grasp. You were very honest about your taste—we all have differing backgrounds & so our tastes will be unique & not THE taste that is the best one, as you mentioned. I think art teachers must struggle sometimes with their words. This particular message showed me more depth in your awareness of art & life & I thank you for that!
admin
Thanks, Alice!
Cyrus Mejia
Hi Michele, Sorry to hear about your injury, I hope your foot is getting better fast! Reaching the point where other people’s opinions don’t matter is a sure sign of maturity as an artist and as a human being. Everything changes! When we try to hold on to the things we like or get away from the things we don’t like we end up suffering. Thank you for your insights Michele, and thank you for all you gave us during the Mindful Artist Mentorship Program!
admin
Thanks so much, Cyrus. I like what you said about “mature artist”. My vision and purpose is to help more artists get to this point.
Aeron Jensan
Hi Michelle,
It’s always fun to review what other artists are thinking. I attended one of your work shops at Opus in Langley, BC. It was a turning point with my canvas, as working with acrylics before that, was without slow drying mediums to stretch color or re do surfaces. Before the workshop most of my work would have acrylic backgrounds with oil/water based foregrounds. The slow drying medium has worked out great! Thank you for being there.
My last paintings were in Kaslo, BC at a Jazz festival our family visits on a regular basis. Since then business priorities have had trump cards played minimizing time at the canvas. I have been rebuilding on desire / ability to paint and believe there are ways to inspire a new series. My goal is to mix education with recycling on canvas. Business is called ‘Captain Recycling’ http://www.captainrecycling.com which displays a cartoonish character. That’s whats on my mind!
admin
So great to hear from you, Aeron! It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how well the information I shared on acrylic mediums has helped your work! I rarely get to hear this kind of feedback after those one-time only talks.
Wishing you the best with your business and with creating more time for painting.
Itaya
I can’t tell you how many other people I’ve encouraged to express their creativity when they said something like ‘I’ve always wanted to paint. Sure wish I could paint!’. It is my belief that if there is a desire within you to create something, then you need to give it expression. It doesn’t matter whether you measure up to someone else’s opinions or expectations or not. Just go and create!
Many of my paintings my husband doesn’t really care for. It took him a long time to finally start being honest with me about those particular paintings. He said, ‘I don’t have to like them all do I?’ LOL I told him, of course not! So now I make sure I have other people’s input when I am branching out in my artwork to make sure I don’t go to just one person for feedback. One painting my husband might not like, dozens of others might give me positive and raving feedback about.
It’s all according to personal taste and individual filters. Just like you said. 🙂
admin
Hi Itaya! Beautifully put! Thanks for sharing your experience of how we deal with feedback good and bad.
charles holman
I thought Ron’s documentary about the Paradise Fire was sappy, boring and needlessly political. It pretty much sucked.
We lost a house in that fire.
Michele Theberge
Gosh, Charles. I’m so sorry you lost a house in that fire. I didn’t mean to dis Ron Howard, I was just trying to make a point but I think you and I have similar feelings about his filmmaking style.